Meet Hrafnhildur, a.k.a Raven!
As we gear up for the 2025 Camp Season, we want to introduce you to our Summer Team! Hrafnhildur, also known as Raven, is returning as one of our Camp Co-Directors this year. Check out our interview with her below:
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Raven, I’m 31 years old and I’m from Iceland. For the last 10 years I have been involved in transformative outdoor education, helping people and students grow through meaningful experiences in nature.
What originally brought you to CRS?
I first heard about Camp Rising Sun through my sister, who was a camper. She always spoke so fondly of her experience and shared so many stories that stuck with me. Later, while studying at university, I knew I wanted to work abroad and decided to apply as a counselor at CRS. That summer, I became the Nature Counselor and absolutely loved it. I was drawn in by the strong sense of community and the camp’s unique approach to leadership. At the time, I was also deeply involved in youth peace and leadership work, so CRS felt like the perfect place to grow and contribute.
Has CRS changed the way you think about leadership? If so, how?
Yes, Camp Rising Sun has definitely changed the way I think about leadership. It’s shown me that there are so many different ways to lead, and that we’re always influencing others simply by being who we are. Leadership at CRS is rooted in self-reflection and in the ability to give and receive feedback in a meaningful way.It’s also about asking yourself how you can meet the needs of others — how you can contribute. It’s not about what you get, but what you give. CRS has taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of clear, compassionate communication. It’s about working together with a shared vision and common goal that moves everyone forward.
What is your favorite part of the CRS experience?
My favorite part of the CRS experience is living and learning alongside so many people with different skills, talents, and ideas. There’s something so powerful about coming together, learning from each other, and inspiring one another. Some of the moments that stand out most for me are Counsil; storytelling night around the fire, Vigil Night, and the nature trips. I also love instructions and evening programs .. honestly, it’s too hard to choose — every part of CRS is so intentional and meaningful. It’s the combination of all these elements that makes the experience so special.
What does ethical leadership mean to you?
To me, ethical leadership means integrity — when our thoughts, words, and actions are in alignment. It’s about doing what we believe is right, and choosing to understand rather than judge or divide. Ethical leadership also means asking the hard questions: Where is there discrimination? Where is there injustice or oppression? And then taking action to help create a world that is fair, one where all people are treated with dignity, have equal opportunities, and feel safe to be themselves.
Who is someone you think is an example of an ethical leader?
Someone in my life who I see as an ethical leader is my sister Una. She was a camper, counselor, and assistant director at Camp Rising Sun, and she consistently uses her voice and position to stand up for what’s right. Whether it’s around the dinner table, among friends, in her workplace, or in everyday moments, she speaks up and takes action. She leads by example — walking the talk and showing through her choices that even small actions can lead to meaningful change. Una has inspired me to make more intentional, justice-driven decisions in my own life. I truly believe that anyone who knows her has learned something valuable from her.
What is your intention or hope for the summer?
My intention for the summer is to show up with care — to hold trust and belief in every camper and staff member, and to help co-create a truly transformative experience together.I hope that everyone comes with an open heart, ready to both give and receive. I hope each person feels a strong sense of inner authority — their own sovereignty — while also being deeply connected to the community around them.I want this summer to be filled with moments of joy, courage, and growth. I hope to see people step up, take brave risks, and recognize the strength they already have — building confidence, resilience, and a belief in their own abilities.Most of all, I hope we create a space where people really listen to one another, reflect deeply, and collaborate with the intention to understand. A space where we not only enjoy the present, but also ask important questions about the future — and imagine, together, how we can help shape it.
If you could travel to any place in the world right now, where would you go and why?
Right now, I’d choose to go to upstate New York, to Clinton — and that’s exactly where I’m headed in just a few days. I honestly wouldn’t want to be going anywhere else. It feels like the right place to be, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
What is something you are passionate about in your life?
I’m passionate about deepening our connection to nature and protecting the wild and innocent in the world we live in. I also care deeply about creativity — especially as a way to explore, express, and make sense of our experiences. I’m drawn to stories, cultures, and the things that bring people together. What inspires me most is anything that reminds us of who we are and helps us feel more connected to ourselves, to each other, and to the Earth.
What is your favorite spot at Camp?
My favorite spot at camp is the lake — it’s calming and full of life. I also love the trails, where you can reflect, wander, and feel surrounded by nature. The Assembly bell holds a special place in my heart too, because it’s where the whole community gathers.
What’s on your summer camp playlist?
The song “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield always reminds me of camp. My favorite lines are:
“Feel the rain on your skin - No one else can feel it for you / No one else, no one else - Can speak the words on your lips / Live your life with arms wide open - Only you can let it in
What does a more ethical and compassionate world look like to you?
To me, a more ethical and compassionate world is one where we come together — where we really listen, care for one another, and create space for everyone to be fully themselves. It’s a world guided by empathy and integrity, where leaders act with courage and accountability to create fairness, dignity, and belonging for all.